The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has issued a new interim rule that could significantly impact axolotl enthusiasts, pet retailers, customers, and hobbyists. This rule proposes adding 16 new genera of salamanders to the injurious amphibian list under the Lacey Act. Included in this list is the genus Ambystoma, which covers axolotls.
What Does This Mean for You?
If this rule is finalized, it would ban the interstate movement of axolotls for any state that has adopted USFWS’ “injurious wildlife list”— including shipping them between states, even for domestically bred pets. This could severely restrict commerce, limit the availability of pet axolotls, and disrupt hobbyists who rely on interstate trade to maintain genetic diversity in breeding programs and/or specialized veterinary care for their animals.
In Alabama, for example, the state not only has adopted the USFWS’ injurious wildlife list but has gone farther than just banning interstate movement of those species by also banning POSSESSION and SALE of any species listed as “injurious wildlife.” This means, all currently possessed pet axolotls in the state are currently considered ILLEGAL. Captive-bred axolotls in Alabama are providing Americans healthy pets, and this ban jeopardizes the livelihoods of hobbyists, breeders, and pet retailers who follow all proper care and health standards. Additionally, the ban disregards the critical role that responsible breeding and sales play in supporting a healthy, regulated market while preventing the introduction of diseases into wild populations.
The USFWS is accepting public comments NOW until March 11, 2025, on this interim rule, and your voice is crucial!
Axolotls are a pet that is growing in popularity, gaining visibility in pop culture, and being featured in various forms of media, including video games, movies, and as mascots. This exposure has led to increased curiosity and demand as potential pets. While axolotls have specific care requirements, they are relatively low maintenance compared to other exotic pets. They don’t require land space like terrestrial salamanders or reptiles, and they thrive in aquatic environments, which makes them more accessible for hobbyists. They are not, however, a substantial risk to human or environmental health.
Act Now!
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For more on this proposal, please see the USARK action update at https://usark.org/25salamander/
Regarding the proposed ban on the interstate trade of salamanders in the genus Ambystoma-
Axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum) are important organisms not only in the pet trade but also in medical research. Because these animals are virtually extinct in the wild, captive populations are important to maintain either in laboratories or within the personal collection of breeders.
Interstate trade ensures that their genetics can remain robust. All axolotls are captive bred and pose no threat of introducing diseases to wild populations.
I recommend you reconsider this proposal.
Be sure to submit those comments to the USFWS too!